City News

A record number of volunteers have signed up to plant a record number of trees and shrubs during the 19th Annual Community Roots Day this Saturday, Oct. 22. Almost 500 volunteers have signed up to plant about 600 trees and shrubs, says George Stilphen, the Executive Director of Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful.

This year’s Community Roots Day is a collaborative effort with the West Salem neighborhood, which joined with more than 35 corporate sponsors in raising money and supplying volunteers to plant trees and shrubs over a large area from the Salem Creek Greenway, up Broad Street, to BB&T Ballpark. Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful, the Community Appearance Commission, and the city’s Vegetation Management Department coordinate this event annually.

Keep Winston-Salem Beautiful is still accepting volunteers for Roots Day. Volunteers will serve from 9 a.m. to noon. The first 250 volunteers to arrive will receive free t-shirts and hats and all volunteers get a free lunch. Volunteers should arrive between 8:30 and 8:45 a.m. at Piedmont Baptist College, 420 S. Broad St.